1.Hails when did you first discover black metal music and who were the first bands that caught your attention? Who are some of the current bands that you have been listening to?
I discovered Black Metal sometime in 1992 not long after getting into Death Metal. Beyond the awareness of bands like Celtic Frost, Venom and Bathory at the time, the so-called “second wave” was upon us and I believe it started with Beherit and Samael for me. Then there was a lot of news coming out of the Norwegian scene, and the controversy became sensationalized while the underground took notice leading to the infamous history we know of today.
2. when did you first get the idea to start Tolaeth and are you satisfied with how things have gone with the band so far?
The concept goes back to the mid/late-90’s. It never materialized until recently for one reason or another, mainly due to other projects. A lot of the riffs on the debut EP date back that far as well, so it’s a rather satisfactory release.
3.Who would you say are Tolaeth's biggest influences?For the readers who have never heard the band how would you best describe the musicial style?
It comes from a wide range of Black Metal, specifically the usual Scandinavian suspects. Lately, Black Metal coming out of the Finnish, Icelandic and Québécois scenes has been impressive. Tolaeth is raw and melodic Black Metal. At present, it’s nothing new and it’s not supposed to be.
4.The Self-Titled EP. is being released on cassette through Humanity's Plague Prod. when did you first come in contact with this label?
We have known each other for a long time. RAF at Humanity’s Plague was one of the only people to hear the original recording of the EP a few years back and was interested, so when it came time to record everything properly, he agreed to release it.
5.How long did it take to write the music for the EP.?How long does it usually take to complete one song?
As mentioned before, some ideas on the EP go back more than 20 years. It was a long, piecemealed process to get everything done over the course of nearly 4 years. Fortunately, the next release won’t take as long. Song completion isn’t really a science; some songs write themselves, others require exhaustive deliberation.
6.Where do you draw inspirtation for the lyrics and what are some topics written about on the EP.?Which usually comes first the music or the lyrics?
Thematically, the lyrics revolve around the universally shared sensation when a sinister essence chooses us — its cold touch as it slithers down the spine. Restlessness and negativity is the product, and as such the lyrics reflect it. There’s usually some mythology or dark gnostic principles injected for good measure. Lyrics are often conceptualized during the songwriting process, however music is always completed first.
7.Have you started work on the next release and do you know if it will be another EP.or would you like to release a full-length?
A lot of work has been done for the next release so far with a few nearly completed songs. There’s enough material for a full-length, although the aim is to release material faster, so I would expect another EP before a full-length. We’ll see…
8.I believe Tolaeth is a one man band when you started this band did you plan to work alone or would you like to find new musicians to work with?
Very observant! Tolaeth is a solo endeavor for now, yes, and it’s sufficient being so. At some point, there may be reason to work with additional musicians. Only time will tell.
9.What do you feel is the easiest and hardest part about being the sole member of the band?
It took half a lifetime to get these songs into a place where it felt suitable for public scrutiny. So the the hardest part is taking the required time to compose when you’re mindful of all of the moving parts in the music, lyrics, artwork, etc. The easiest part is that I don’t have to put up with anyone’s shit, just my own!
10.Tolaeth comes out of the U.K Black netal scene what are your thoughts on the scene in the U.K over the years?
I’m not involved with the UK scene whatsoever, although there are some noteworthy bands.
11.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of the U.K and are their any new bands you could recomend to the readers?
Iron Maiden and Judas Priest are the obvious ones. The old Death/Doom “Peaceville Three”, as it were: My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, Anathema. The Deathtrip is a more recent favorite Black Metal band. Wodensthrone was good when they were around. And I like Esoteric a lot as well.
12.What does Black Metal mean to you?
An escapist construct in discordance, from sound and society. And the defiance to toe the line for any we oppose.
13.Besides working in Tolaeth do you currently work with any other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
I am and have been involved with multiple projects, but for the sake of this interview, we’ll keep all eyes on Tolaeth.
14.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
This is the first ever Tolaeth interview. Thanks for the support and if anyone has gotten this far, I’d urge them to check out the debut EP via any search function on the internet or through Humanity’s Plague Production. Band Contacts https://www.facebook.com/Tolaeth-101058085138813 https://tolaeth.bandcamp.com/releases Label Contacts https://www.discogs.com/user/HumanitysPlagueProd https://www.facebook.com/HumanitysPlagueProdBlackMetal
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.